I remember my first job in construction – laboring on a deck crew. I loved it! I was outside with a good group of people learning so much. I thought I’d feel that way everyday, but then came the winters…

Journal entry from December 10, 2014:

I set my alarm extra early today because I knew we were expecting snow. Before I left for work I had to make sure to shovel the driveway for my wife. I should really invent something that would help scrape this ice off my windshield – maybe move to Arizona?

It was pretty cold on site. We spent the first hour melting ice off our lumber. Then Mike started a fire in our barrel so we could thaw out every 30 minutes. Need to buy better gloves! I wish we could take time off during these cold snaps, but we really need to get the barn closed in before things get really nasty.

Journal entry from December 10, 2015:

The sunrise over the bay this morning was unreal. I can’t believe it hasn’t frozen yet. I’m glad I didn’t buy that new sled – it would be collecting dust in my garage next to my skis. There’s a lot of action on site today. The formers finished up and I met with the inspector to do a walk through. We’ll backfill tomorrow, and then start framing. Temperatures are going to stay on the plus side for at least another week – we have been so lucky with these mild temperatures!

I think Devin and I are going to take the bikes out this weekend for one last ride. It seems crazy not to take full advantage of this weather. Too bad the days are so short, I feel like we could start another build!

The winter is back, and it’s just how I remember. Cold. But despite the weather, I’m still doing what I love to do. And that makes everything well worth it.